Mexican Ex‑Governor Mario Villanueva's 36‑Year Prison Sentence Upheld

A federal judge in Mexico confirmed that former Quintana Roo governor Mario Villanueva Madrid must serve the nearly 36‑year prison term imposed for his ties to the Juárez Cartel. The court rejected the request to reduce or modify the sentence, maintaining the conviction for organized crime and drug‑related offenses. Villanueva remains incarcerated at the Federal Rehabilitation Center “Ceferepsi” in Morelos.

Earlier, he had been granted temporary house arrest in Quintana Roo to protect his health during the COVID‑19 pandemic, but the court later ordered his return to prison. His legal team has appealed the decision, seeking a review by a Collegiate Appeals Tribunal.

The case underscores ongoing efforts by Mexican authorities to enforce long‑term sentences against former public officials involved in drug‑trafficking networks.